Felixstowe’s famous Seafront Gardens will continue to fly the prestigious Green Flag after being recognised as one of the country’s best parks for the ninth consecutive year.
The Grade II listed gardens have been awarded the mark of quality for public parks every year since completion of a restoration project funded by East Suffolk Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
And it’s a double celebration for the district’s green spaces as Green Flag status has also been awarded to Woods Meadow Country Park for the second successive year.
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by Keep Britain Tidy on behalf of the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, recognises the UK’s most welcoming and well-managed parks and green spaces.
Judges praised the environmental management and many biodiversity initiatives in place at Felixstowe Seafront Gardens – maintained with great assistance from a strong and active community group.
Since restoration took place between 2011 and 2015, the grounds team has boosted ecological diversity by protecting the grass banks and providing a habitat for invertebrates and reptiles.
Mayor of Felixstowe, Cllr David Rowe, said:
“It’s wonderful to see that Felixstowe Seafront Gardens have been awarded a Green Flag for the ninth consecutive year.
“The Friends of Felixstowe Seafront Gardens do a dedicated job of caring for the Gardens, so that residents and visitors can enjoy the peaceful and special place Felixstowe Seafront Gardens are.”
Between them, volunteers contribute more than 2,000 hours of time to helping maintain the heritage, ecology and appeal of the Seafront Gardens.
Volunteers have also helped plant and look after hundreds of trees at Woods Meadow County Park – home to mixed native woodland a wildflower meadow.
The Woods Meadow Volunteer Group has been integral in establishing the park, having been the driving force in planting an 11-hectare woodland and several new hedgerows.
A converted container was located on site as a ‘volunteer-hub’ providing on-site storage and a meeting place for regular work parties. Nearby, the park’s new orchard was planted by volunteers with help from Limes Primary Academy schoolchildren.
Following successful public events on local birdlife and moths, Park Ranger Matt will be leading a Bat Walk during August.
Keep Britain Tidy’s Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, Paul Todd MBE said:
“I would like to congratulate everyone involved at Felixstowe Seafront Gardens and Woods Meadow Country Park on achieving a Green Flag Award.
“It is important that our free to use spaces are maintained to the Green Flag Award standard, making them accessible for all members of the community while ensuring the environment is protected.”
East Suffolk’s network of volunteers is responsible for helping to keep the district beautiful, with regular litter-picks, planting, and an all-round effort to maintain the appearance of their local communities – and East Suffolk Council is encouraging more people to get involved and to really do their bit as part of East Suffolk’s Amazing.